On the High Road: Hikes, Lakes and Cake in the Black Forest

HEIDELBERG SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

On the High Road: Hikes, Lakes and Cake in the Black Forest

A private 8-hour day trip from Heidelberg along the famed Black Forest High Road that pairs a lakeside stroll at Mummelsee with a 1–2 hour hike to Hornisgrinde and visits to regional towns.

On the High Road: Hikes, Lakes and Cake in the Black Forest.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Heidelberg
Operator
Henry Heidelberg Tours
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

With more than 6,000 square kilometers of rolling hills, mountains and ancient woods, the Black Forest is one of Germany’s defining landscapes. This private day trip from Heidelberg takes you south along the Black Forest High Road into a region of deep firs, a mirror-clear mountain lake, panoramic viewpoints and time-honored culinary specialties.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Scenic drive along the Black Forest High Road
THE ROUTE

Scenic drive along the Black Forest High Road

The day's approach is as important as the destinations: the tour follows the Black Forest High Road, a route that has been recognized as one of the ten most scenic roads in Europe, opening continuous forested panoramas as you head south from Heidelberg.

Mummelsee and the Hornisgrinde summit
THE LAKE & VIEW

Mummelsee and the Hornisgrinde summit

The itinerary makes a first stop at the Mummelsee for a gentle circuit of the water, then ascends on a 1–2 hour hike to Hornisgrinde—the highest point in the Northern Black Forest—where sweeping views reach down the Rhine valley toward Alsace.

Local cuisine, Black Forest cake and market squares
THE FOOD & TOWNS

Local cuisine, Black Forest cake and market squares

Lunch options range from a lakeside restaurant to dining in Baiersbronn’s Michelin-star bistro; the day also includes time to browse local specialties and cuckoo clocks and to visit towns such as Freudenstadt or the spa town of Baden-Baden.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You’ll move from open highway to dense forest, pausing for a lakeside walk, a structured 1–2 hour mountain hike and a relaxed lunch that celebrates the region’s culinary reputation. The itinerary balances scenic driving and short hikes with time to explore craft shops and market squares in characteristic Black Forest towns.

Scenic drive along the Black Forest High Road

THE ROUTE

Scenic drive along the Black Forest High Road

The day's approach is as important as the destinations: the tour follows the Black Forest High Road, a route that has been recognized as one of the ten most scenic roads in Europe, opening continuous forested panoramas as you head south from Heidelberg.

Mummelsee and the Hornisgrinde summit

THE LAKE & VIEW

Mummelsee and the Hornisgrinde summit

The itinerary makes a first stop at the Mummelsee for a gentle circuit of the water, then ascends on a 1–2 hour hike to Hornisgrinde—the highest point in the Northern Black Forest—where sweeping views reach down the Rhine valley toward Alsace.

Local cuisine, Black Forest cake and market squares

THE FOOD & TOWNS

Local cuisine, Black Forest cake and market squares

Lunch options range from a lakeside restaurant to dining in Baiersbronn’s Michelin-star bistro; the day also includes time to browse local specialties and cuckoo clocks and to visit towns such as Freudenstadt or the spa town of Baden-Baden.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this day trip—and who might look elsewhere.

1
Active day hikersA good match for travelers comfortable with a 1–2 hour mountain hike and moderate walking on uneven trails.
2
Scenic drivers & photographersIdeal for visitors who prize panoramic roads and landscape photography along the Black Forest High Road.
3
Food and culture seekersWell suited to travelers interested in regional cuisine—options include lakeside dining, Black Forest cake and a possible Michelin-star bistro lunch in Baiersbronn.
4
Families and casual sightseersCan work for families or casual sightseers who prefer short walks and town visits, though the day does include a hike and full-day travel.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

Full private day trip lasting approximately 8 hours.

Timing & season

This is a full‑day excursion into mountain and forest landscapes; plan around local weather for the 1–2 hour hike portions.

What to bring

The itinerary includes walking and a short mountain hike; participants should be prepared for outdoor conditions and a full day away from Heidelberg.

Cost & booking

This is offered as a private tour at the stated rate of €1200.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The private day trip runs approximately 8 hours.

Is this a private tour or a group tour?

The experience is offered as a private day trip.

What is the price for the private tour?

The private tour rate is €1200.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

Typical stops include a drive along the Black Forest High Road, Mummelsee, a 1–2 hour hike to Hornisgrinde, and lunch with options to visit Baiersbronn, Freudenstadt or Baden-Baden.

How far is the Black Forest from Heidelberg?

The Black Forest lies about one hour south of Heidelberg by road.

Are there food options on the trip?

Yes. The tour includes a lakeside restaurant option (with Black Forest cake and a gift shop) or an alternative lunch in Baiersbronn, including a Michelin-star bistro option.